What's happening
This bill makes it a violation to intentionally or recklessly operate unmanned aircraft (drones) in violation of federal law or endangering others.
Why it matters
Creates state-level penalties. for individuals who fly drones in ways that violate federal law or recklessly endanger people or property, giving local law enforcement a tool to address drone misuse even if federal authorities do not act.
Clarifies legal boundaries for drone operators. , making it explicitly unlawful to ignore FAA rules or operate drones dangerously, which could deter careless or malicious drone use.
Aims to improve public safety and privacy. by holding operators accountable for drone activities that could harm individuals or damage property, addressing growing concerns as drone usage expands.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Reckless Drone Use
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
- Print number 5944a
- Amend and recommit to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Reckless Drone Use
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Kenneth Zebrowski
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5944--A
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
May 16, 2019
Introduced by Sen. SANDERS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to the unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 240.00 of the penal law is amended by adding a new subdivision 8 to read as follows:
8. "Unmanned aircraft" means a device used for flight in the air which is operated remotely without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
§ 2. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 240.80 to read as follows: § 240.80 Unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft.
A person is guilty of unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft when during the personal use or operation of such aircraft, except as otherwise provided by federal law, he or she intentionally operates an unmanned aircraft:
1. in violation of federal laws or regulations of the United States department of transportation and the federal aviation administration (FAA) or successors thereof; or
2. in a reckless manner so as to endanger the life or safety of another person or property of a person.
Unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft is a violation.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06149-05-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to the unlawful use or opera- tion of an unmanned aircraft
Purpose or general idea of the bill
This bill will regulate the reckless operation or use of unmanned aircrafts.
Summary of provisions
Section one of the bill amends section 240.00 of the penal law as relates to the definition of an unmanned aircraft.
Section two of the bill amends the penal law by adding a new section 240.80 as it relates to creating the crime of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft. A person would be guilty of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft if during the personal use of the aircraft they inten- tionally violate federal rules or regulations or use it in a reckless manner so as to endanger the life or safety of another person or proper- ty of a person. The unlawful use or operation of an unmanned aircraft is a violation.
Section three of the bill relates to the effective date.
Justification
This bill would provide reasonable regulations for the personal use of unmanned aircrafts. Although commercial operations are regulated, the FAA does not govern recreational or personal unmanned aircraft use; therefore leaving it wholly unregulated and susceptible to reckless use by civilians. There have been many incidents where unmanned aircrafts were flown over crowds of people or near busy roadways; creating substantial risk to the public. This will provide law enforcement with the ability to enforce reckless use of these devices. The bill would ensure safe and proper use of unmanned aircrafts by establishing reason- able restrictions that protect the public.
Legislative history
A.8377-A of 2017-18
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of January succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.